Definition of Map Elements

A map usually contains the following elements:

Title (and subtitle): Usually draws attention by virtue of its dominant size; serves to focus attention on the primary content of the map. Should
be an answer to "What? Where? When?".Tips: Never underline a title (or a subtitle), and never put a colon after a title.

Legend: The principal reference to the map symbols; subordinated to the title. However, this is still a key element for map reading;
describing all unknown or unique map symbols used.Tips:Only the word "Legend" should be written on your map (and not "Map Legend", or "Switzerland Legend", etc.).

Map Scale:Provides the reader with important information regarding linear relations on the map. A scale can be numerical (for example
1:50000) or graphical.Tips:The dimension and thickness of a graphical scale has to be adapted to the map content.

Credits:Can include the map source, the author, indication of the reliability of accuracy of the map, dates, or other explanatory
material.Tips:Credits should always be written smallest as possible (but nevertheless readable) and be placed in a box without a frame.

Mapped Areas:Objects, land, water, and other geographical features important to the purpose of the map.

Map Symbols:Wide variety of forms and functions; the most important element of the map, along with the geographic areas rendered.

Place name and Labelling:The chief means of communicating with maps; serve to orient the reader on the map and provide important information regarding
its purpose.Tips:Use the same font for the map frame, the map layout, and the map content.

North arrow:According to the rules, each map should have a north arrow. But if the map is north oriented, or if the geographical co-ordinate
are already on the map the north arrow can be omitted.Tips:The north arrow must be well readable, but not be too dominant on the map.

Border and Neatlines:Both optional; borders can serve to restrain eye movements. Neatlines are finer lines than borders, drawn inside them and
often intra-parallelism, rendered as part of the graticule; used mostly for decoration.

Graticule:Often omitted in maps today; should be included if the location information is crucial to the map purpose, e.g. into topographical
maps.

In the following example, you can observe a map which, consists of the different map elements discussed.

Example of map elements presentation (Student work, ETH Zurich)

Since you know now all the elements that constitute a map, you have to learn how to arrange them. On the following map, try to find out visually all the cartographic elements presented previously. This exercise is not evaluated.